The Independent School Podcast with Juliet Corbett

Juliet Corbett
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The Independent School Podcast shares real-world leadership conversations with Principals, Heads and CEOs from across independent and international schools, exploring what it means to lead well in an increasingly complex world.   Hosted by executive coach and trusted advisor Juliet Corbett, the podcast offers clear, practical insight into staying strategic amidst daily pressures, making high-stakes decisions with confidence and shaping high-performing school cultures. Juliet brings her cross-sector experience and more than two decades of work in education to conversations designed to spark your best thinking.   If you want calm, reflective insight that helps you slow the pace, sharpen your focus and navigate complexity with clarity and courage, this podcast is for you.

  1. 8H AGO

    Adapting leadership across culture and context with Helen Olds, Director, The British International School of Jeddah (Ep. 184)

    In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Helen Olds, Director of the British International School Jeddah, with more than 20 years of leadership experience across international schools in Asia and the Middle East. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore how leadership needs to adapt across cultures and contexts without losing authenticity, and why understanding people is just as important as understanding systems when leading in international settings. Together they explore: How leadership needs to shift across different cultures and contextsThe balance between structure and freedom in complex school environmentsWhy values and purpose matter as anchors for decision makingHow leaders create the conditions for learning, growth and creativityThis episode is for you if you’re a senior leader working across cultures or systems, navigating complexity, or considering a move into the international school sector and reflecting on how your leadership style might need to adapt. Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

    45 min

  2. FEB 12

    Knowing when to slow the pace as a leader with Alex Hems, Head, The Aldenham Foundation (Ep. 183)

    In this episode of The Independent School Podcast Juliet Corbett is joined by Alex Hems, Executive Head of The Aldenham Foundation since 2022. In this thoughtful and honest conversation, they reflect on what it takes to lead well when the pace is intense and the stakes are high, and why creating space to think - both individually and collectively - can be one of a leader’s most powerful tools. Together they explore: What ‘slow down to speed up’ really means in senior leadershipHow leaders make good decisions when there’s no clear right answerThe role of intuition, judgement and self-awareness under pressureWhy slowing the pace can strengthen teams and improve buy-inHow leaders balance urgency with long-term stewardshipThis episode is for you if you’re a senior leader navigating complexity, feeling the pressure to move fast, and wondering how to create better decisions, stronger teams, and clearer direction without burning yourself out or rushing to the wrong answer. Episode Links 'Slow Productivity' by Cal Newport Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

    39 min

  3. FEB 5

    What true partnership really demands from leaders with Jaideep Barot, Head, Bristol Grammar School (Ep. 182)

    In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Jaideep Barot, Head of Bristol Grammar School since 2018 and a returning guest to the show. In this important conversation, they explore what it really takes to sustain bursary and partnership work under pressure, and how leaders can protect morally important work when time and capacity are stretched. Together they explore:  What true partnership between independent and state schools really demands from leadersWhy bursary and partnership work needs to be treated as a long-term strategy, not a series of projectsThe role of shared ownership, constructive challenge and collective responsibilityHow local solutions can contribute to wider system change without imposing uniform modelsWhy complexity demands experimentation rather than certaintyWhy clarity and repeated communication matterThis episode is for you if you’re a senior leader working in complexity, committed to bursary or partnership work that genuinely matters, and thinking hard about how to maintain purpose, focus and impact when the pressure is on across the board. Episode Links 'Strategy and social justice with Jaideep Barot, Headmaster, Bristol Grammar School (Ep. 51)'  Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

    38 min

  4. JAN 29

    From Head to CEO in an international context with Louise Simpson, The British School in the Netherlands (Ep. 181)

    In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Louise Simpson, CEO of the British School in the Netherlands, where she leads the BSN across four campuses in and around The Hague. This is Louise's fourth headship and her second stint abroad, having previously been head of Exeter School in Devon, head of St Paul’s, the British School in Sao Paulo, and a GDST head in south London. As you’ll hear, she is delighted to be back in the world of British international education.  Together they explore: What changes when a head steps into a CEO role leading at scaleThe complexity of international education today, from shifting enrolment patterns to increased competitionHow to build coherence across multiple schools while preserving autonomyThe importance of culture, belonging and character in a diverse international communityWhy optimism, reflection and thinking time matter so much when navigating uncertaintyThis conversation offers thoughtful, practical insight into leading strategically in a global context, with clear reflections on decision making, culture and leadership at scale. Episode Links Strategy Development Case Study with Louise Simpson, Head, Exeter School (The Independent School Podcast, Ep 125) An international perspective with Louise Simpson, Head, Exeter School (The Independent School Podcast, Ep 40) The power of hope: A leadership skill for uncertain times (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep. 38) Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

    44 min

  5. JAN 22

    How kind leadership creates high performing teams with Joanna Povall, Principal, Wales International School (Ep. 180)

    In this episode of the Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Joanna Povall, Principal at Wales International School in Abu Dhabi and Tes International School Principal of the Year 2024/25. With more than 30 years of leadership experience across the UK, France and the UAE, Joanna brings a distinctive cross-cultural perspective to what kindness really means in leadership. She also draws on her work as a Lead Improvement Partner for COBIS, supporting school improvement across the international schools sector, and on the thinking behind her forthcoming book, Kind Leadership. Together they explore: Why kindness is not the opposite of strengthHow kindness strengthens trust, clarity and psychological safetyThe CHASE framework for putting kindness into actionThe link between kindness, accountability and high performanceWhy managing ego and building self esteem sit at the heart of impactful leadershipYou’ll hear practical examples from Joanna’s leadership across different cultures, as well as insights from her work with COBIS schools around the world and the research underpinning her book. This episode is a reminder that kindness isn’t soft, naïve or vague. It’s a strategic advantage and a core ingredient in every high performing team. Episode links 'Kind Leadership' by Joanna Povall Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

    43 min

  6. JAN 15

    Authentic leadership and shaping school culture with Charles Bailey, Headmaster, Worksop College and Ranby House (Ep. 179)

    In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Charles Bailey, Headmaster of Worksop College and Ranby House, a thriving independent day and boarding school in Nottinghamshire. Charles joined the school in April 2025 after a decade at Harrow School, where he held senior leadership roles including Director of Studies and Head of Learning Skills. He brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to headship, grounded in authenticity, clarity and a deep belief in the power of community. Together they explore: What authentic leadership looks like in practice in a busy 3–18 schoolHow vulnerability helps leaders build trust, belonging and psychological safetyThe realities of navigating complexity in a Head’s first yearHow to balance long-term strategy with the day-to-day demands of school lifeWhy clarity, simplicity and shared language matter so much for school cultureYou’ll hear honest reflections from Charles’s first year of headship, including the lessons he’s drawing from Worksop’s heritage, community and ethos. This episode offers a grounded, energising look at leadership, culture and the courage it takes to be real in today’s complex school environment. Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

    45 min

  7. JAN 8

    Positivity, complexity and leadership with Julie Robinson, CEO, Independent Schools Council (ISC) (Ep. 178)

    In this episode of The Independent School Podcast Juliet Corbett is joined by Julie Robinson, Chief Executive of the Independent Schools Council, where she represents and promotes the work of independent schools across the UK. Julie began her career as a teacher before becoming a head in Sussex prep schools, later moving into national roles and joining ISC in 2015. She is a governor for both an Academy and an all-through independent school in London and is a strong advocate for collaboration across different types of schools. Together they explore: Why positivity and purpose matter when leading through uncertaintyHow to navigate complexity in a fast-moving policy and social landscapeThe role of listening and conversation in building trust and understandingThe value of coaching and reflective space for leaders in demanding rolesWhy self-management, energy and simple habits shape long-term resilienceThis conversation offers grounded, practical insight into leading with clarity and confidence in challenging times, with thoughtful reflections on purpose, complexity and the human side of leadership. Episode links Sector trends with Julie Robinson, CEO, Independent Schools Council (ISC) (Ep. 96) Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

    36 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    Leading through complexity: Conversations to spark your best thinking (Ep. 177)

    In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett returns to the microphone for a new series focused on real-world leadership in independent and international schools. Juliet shares how her thinking has evolved over recent years through her work as a trusted advisor to experienced leaders, and her episodes of the Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast. She also introduces the ideas she has been developing for a book she's writing about leading sustainably through complexity and uncertainty. Juliet explores three themes that will shape this new season: Staying strategic amidst the daily bustle of leadership: Creating space to think clearly when operational demands never stopMaking high-stakes decisions in uncertainty and complexity: Understanding the difference between complicated and complex challengesCreating and empowering high-performing teams: Building cultures of trust, clarity and shared ownership so leaders are not carrying everything aloneJuliet also offers a preview of the first interviews already recorded, including conversations with Louise Simpson (CEO, The British School in the Netherlands), Charles Bailey (Headmaster, Worksop College and Ranby House, UK) and Joanna Povall (Principal, Wales International School, Abu Dhabi). This episode sets the scene for a thoughtful, reflective series designed to help leaders slow down, sharpen their focus and navigate complexity with clarity and courage. Links Sign up for Juliet's emails: www.consultjuliet.co.uk/signup 1. Staying strategic amidst the daily bustle of leadership: Making time to think (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 1)What if slowing down helps you speed up? (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 20) 2. Making high-stakes decisions: problem-solving in uncertainty and complexity: Leading through complexity: Tools for thinking and acting clearly (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 43)The hidden reason your strategy isn’t working (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 42)3. Creating and empowering high-performing teams: Are you delegating enough? (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 2)Leadership means changing hats – Is your team ready? (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 41)Explore the Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast: www.quietleadershiprevolution.com Explore all previous episodes of The Independent School Podcast: www.consultjuliet.co.uk/podcast Thank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!

    15 min
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4.7
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About

The Independent School Podcast shares real-world leadership conversations with Principals, Heads and CEOs from across independent and international schools, exploring what it means to lead well in an increasingly complex world.   Hosted by executive coach and trusted advisor Juliet Corbett, the podcast offers clear, practical insight into staying strategic amidst daily pressures, making high-stakes decisions with confidence and shaping high-performing school cultures. Juliet brings her cross-sector experience and more than two decades of work in education to conversations designed to spark your best thinking.   If you want calm, reflective insight that helps you slow the pace, sharpen your focus and navigate complexity with clarity and courage, this podcast is for you.

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